Suspenders.



c. L, MOLLOYA. SUSPENDERS. APPLICATION FILED MAY I0, 1915- 1,203,643. Patented Nov. Z, 1916.

CHARLES L. MOLLOY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

SUSPENDERS.

- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. *7, 1916.

Application filed May 10, 1915. Serial in. 27,088.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that 1, CHARLES L. MoLLoY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicage, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Suspenders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to suspenders, and more particularly to the coupling or connection between the shoulder straps and the tabs or other devices whereby they are secured at the back to the garment.

The invention has for its object to provide a coupling device of the kind stated which can be easily applied or removed to permit renewal of the shoulder straps or tabs when worn or soiled, and also to permit the shoulder straps to be adjusted to properly fit persons of different heights and builds. Application and removal of the device is readily efiected with the bare hands and no tool or appliance is required.

In order that the invention may be better understood, reference is had to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 is a plan view of the suspenders; Fig. Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross section on the line H of Fig. 1.

Referring specifically to the drawing, 5 denotes the shoulder straps of a pair of suspenders, the same carrying at one end the usual tabs 6 for connection with the front of the garment. At their rear ends, the shoulder straps are brought together and connected to a coupling device to which is connected a short strap 7 carrying tabs 8 for connection with the rear of the garment.

The coupling device referred to comprises a sheet metal plate bent on itself intermediate its ends to form two opposite jaws 9, the plate being shaped so that the jaws are widest at their free ends, the side edges therefore diverging in this direction. The narrow end of the jaws is at the bend 10 connecting the same, and this end is at the top when the device is applied to the straps 5. Adjacent to or on the side edges, the jaws Any suitable elastic or other 2 is a plan v1ew of the coupling device,

have spurs 11 which are on the inside of the jaws. Adjacent to the wide, or lower end of the jaws, the latter have a transverse slot 12 for a purpose to be presently described.

The rear ends of the straps 5 are placed between the jaws 9 in such a position that they extend from opposite sides thereof, and divergingly. The angle can be readily changed to suit the build of the person, a more acute angle being best suited for a long person, whereas for a short person the straps will be spread to make a greater angle. forced together to grip the strap ends, and so held by a clip 13 which is slipped over the edge of the slot 12. Upon removing the clip, the jaws spread and the straps can be removed. It. will therefore be seen that the straps can be readily removed and renewed when worn or soiled, and the person is saved the expense of a new pair of suspenders. webbing may be used for the straps 5 and 7.

The strap 7 is made into a loop and passed through the slot 12 its ends being adjustably connected by a buckle 14. This strap can also be renewed whenever necessary. The tension on the strap 7 also serves to hold the jaws 9 closed in gripping position. The buckle 14 will be of that type which requires no sewing on of the strap.

I claim 1. The combination with the shoulder straps of suspenders, of a coupling device to which the rear ends of the straps are connected, and from opposite sidesof which they extend divergingly, said device comprising opposite jaws between which the strap ends are held, the jaws being resiliently connected at one end and having at the opposite end a transverse slot, a clip engageable over the edge of the slot to hold the jaws closed, a looped strap passing through the slot, and garment attaching means carried by the looped strap. a

2. The combination with the shoulder straps of suspenders, of a coupling device to which the rear ends of the straps are connected, and from opposite sides of which The jaws are resilient and they are they extend, said device comprising opposite over the clip, and garment attaching means jaws open at the sides, and between Which carried by said looped portion. jaws the strap ends are held, the jaws being resiliently connected at one end and having in presence of two Witnesses.

5 their opposite ends provided with alined CHARLES L. MOLLOY.

transverse slots, a clip engageable over the Witnesses: edge of the slot to hold the jaws closed, a S. J. LEHRER, looped strap passing through the slot and H. G. BATCHELOR.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0.

In testimony whereof I affiX my signature 

